Mechanical shorthand writing means



Sept. 14, 1948. w. v. KIRKPATRICK 2,449,126

I MECHANICAL SH ORTHAND WRITING MEANS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 2, 1945 ATTORNEY K mm T mm wk m V U E D m w Patented Sept. 14, 1948 4T =ms MECHANICALSHORTEIIAND WRITING MEANS Wendell v. Kirkpatrick, Bonita, Calif. Application November 2, 1945, Serial No. 626,222 9 Claims. (01. 197-9) My invention relates to a mechanical shorthand writing means more particularly an improvement over my former Patent Number 2,325,- 612, and the objects of my invention are:

FirstrTo provide a simple method of indicating a reversal of sequence of the letters in printed combination thus increasing substantially the possible combinations without additional strokes.

Second: To provide a means of this class in which a reading direction key may be operated by a thumb of the operator for printing on the paper strip a pointer indicating a reversal in direction of reading of combinations printed transversely of the paper strip, whereby ,*the printed combinations are normally read in one direction transversely of the paper strip unless the pointer indicates that the subject matter should be read in the opposite direction. w

Third: To provide a means of this class in which the arrangement of the keys relative to certain characters together with the reading direction key promotes versatility of the use of said keyboard in printing a variety of combinations.

Fourth: To provide a simple means of this class in which a continuity key is arranged for use in indicating the continuance of a word or phrase from one transverse line to another on the paper strip.

Fifth: To provide a keyboard arrangement of this class in which the operations accomplished by the thumbs of both hands are within range of the thumbs, taking full advantage of thesame without overtaking the agility and reach thereof whereby the use of my mechanical shorthand I writing machine is greatly facilitated in learning and in practice.

Sixth: To provide anautomatic shifting mechanism of such design that at least three characters each represented by a key on the keyboard may be grouped together to print in a single type position making possible the compact construction of the type shifting wheels whereby a narrower paper strip may be used which in turn makes combinations of letters in the type positions at opposite edges of the paper strip more easily read by reducingthe distance between them. i 3

Seventh: To provide an automatic shifting mechanism of such design that the overall weight and size of my mechanical shorthand writing means is materially reduced,

Eighth: To provide a means ofthis class in which an independent figure shifting mechanism operated by-either thumb causes a shift of the type shifting wheels to a position for printing figures orsigns printed by neither normal nor automatically shifted type positions of said type shifting wheels. i

Ninth: To provide a mechanical shorthand writing means having a keyboard incorporating a key which will print an open top A, readable in combinations as either anH or an A.

Tenth: To provide a .mechanical shorthand writing means of this class which is very simple and economical to manufacture in proportion to its utility, efficientin its action and which willnot readily deteriorate or get out of order. With these and other objects in View as will appear hereinafter, my invention consists of certain novel features of construction, combination and rrangement of parts and portions as will be hereinafter described in detail and particularly set forth in. the appended claims, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings and to thecharacters of reference thereon forming a part of this application, in which:

Fig. 1 is a top or plan View of my mechanical shorthand writing means showing portions broken away and in section to amplify the illustration. Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view thereof. Fig 3 is a fragmentary side elevationalview thereof taken from the opposite side. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view thereof showing portions broken away and in section to amplify the illustration. Fig; 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the printed paper strip printed by my mechanical shorthand writing means. Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the shift key lever'in cooperativerelation with the shift bar and shift bar lever. Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of .one of ,the typeshifting wheels together with cooperative parts showing portions thereof broken away and in sectionto amplify the illustration; and Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken from the line 83 of Fig. '7.

Similar charactersof reference'refer tosimilar parts and portions throughout the several views of the drawing.

.The frame I, platen roller 2, type shifting wheels 3,. shift tongs bellcranks 5 and ,6, ful- .crurn member 1, fixed keys 8, pivoted keys 9, levelingvspring ill, main key levers ll, figure shift key I2; figure shift key lever l3, reading direction key M, continuity key I5, lever I6, figure. shiftbar ll, figure shift. bar supports I8, shift wheelfleveling springs 19, shafts 20 to 23 inclusive, main key lever springs 24, pads 25 and and portions of my mechanical shorthand writing means.

The platen roller 2 is rotatively mounted in connection with the frame I by means of the shaft .23 as shown best in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawing. The shaft 20 as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawing is connected to opposite sides of the casing I, as, shown in, Figs. 2 and 3 of, the drawing and supports the bellcranks 5, which carry the type shifting wheels 3 at their upper ends as shown best in Fig. 7 of the drawing. The type;

shifting wheels 3 are pivotally mounted on the upper ends on the bellcranks 5- by means of pins 5a and the type shifting wheels 3 are maintained in level disposition by means of the U.- shaped spring I9 fitted in the body portion 3a of said type shifting wheels 3 and. engaging a bracket 5b secured on the bellcranks 5 and holds ing opposite ends of said shift wheel leveling springs I9, all as shown best in Fig. 7 of the drawing. The type shifting wheels 3 are maintained in certain disposition to the axis of the vertical leg of the bellc'ranks 5 by the springs I9 until affected by the tong portions 4a and 4b of the shift tongs 4 which are pivotally connected in stationary relation with the frame I on the shaft 2| as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawing. As shown in Fig. 8 of the drawing the type shifting wheels 3 are providedwith a; main body portion 3a and plate portions 31) and 30 on opposite sides thereof through which the pins in extend connecting the upper end of, the bellcranks 5 to the type hifting wheels 3; pivotally supporting the same in connection with said bellcranks 5. It willbe noted that each type shifting wheel 3 is provided with an extended arcuate portion 3d on Which the type 3e is secured. 'lThe tong. portions 4a and 4b of the shift tongs 6, are. arranged to engage notch portions 3 and 39 for rotatively shifting the type shifting wheels in connection with the bellcranks 5,. Secured on the opposite side of the shaft 2| from the type shifting wheels 3 to the shift tongs I are resilient arm portions 40 extending into engage, ment with the bellcranks 6- which, are pivoted on the pins 6a. in connection with the main key levers I I. It will be here noted that the connection of the arm portions of the shift tongs 4 is a slip fit thereof in an opening in a laterally extending portion 61b of the bellcranks 6 providing a free connection therewith. A fulcrum member I is pivotally mounted on each of the main .key levers II by means of the pin Ia and is. provided with a pair of laterally extending portions 'Ib. through which the lever I6 extends, all as shown best in Fig. 4 of the drawing. One end of this lever I6. is inserted in an opening in the bellcrank member 6 and arranged in slip fit relation therewith while the opposite end of the lever I6 is arranged in similar connected relation with the plate 90 rigidly secured to one of the pivoted keys 9 which is pivotally mounted on a pin 9a extending through the fixed key 8 which is rigidly secured on the extending end of the main .key lever -II as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawing by the'bolt 9b which alsomantains the plate spring In in engagement with the pivoted key 9 for holding the same in level position as shown best in Fig. 4 of the drawing. It willjbe here noted that each ofthe main key levers [I is pivotally mounted in connection with the shaft -22 extending through the sides of the frame I as shown best in- Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawing.

'The link 21 is connected to the main key lever II by means of the pin Na and this link 21 is 4 pivotally connected with b'ellcrank 5 at its opposite end by means of the pin I Ic. The key lever springs 24 are adjustably secured at their upper ends to the frame I by screws lb. These springs 24 tend to hold the main key levers upwardly in engagement with the pad '25 which may be a resilient pad for cushioning the upward movement, of the, main key levers II. The figure shift bar I! is connected to the figure shift bar supports I8 which are pivotally mounted on the shaft 2|, as shown best in Fig. 6 of the drawing. Rigidly connected with the figure shift bar supports I8 is an arm 58a connected to a spring IBb secured to the portion Ic of the frame -I=, the spring I811 thus tending to shift the figure shift bar supports I8 together with the figure shiftbar If downwardly into engagement wlththe notched portions SI of the type shifting wheels 3. The arm portion I8a, in connection with. the figure shift bar supports I8 is provided with an angular portion I engageable with the upwardly extending arm portion I3a of the figure shift key levers l3 which is held in the position as shown in Fig. 6 of the drawing against. the pad 25 by the spring 2:1 maintaining the figure shift bar I! out of engagement with the notch portions 3] of the type shifting wheels 3. It will be here noted that the type shifting wheels 3 serve principally as type supporting members and carry four vertically aligned type members thereon designated 36 in Fig. 7 of the drawing which are arcuately disposed relatively to each other about the axis of the pin 5a securing the bellcranks 5 to the type shifting wheel 3 as shown in Fig. 7 of the drawing. As shown in Fig. 6 of the drawing the figure shift bar II is provided with a plurality of notched portions I'Iq, which fit over the long portions 4a of the shift tongs 4. The shift tongs 4 as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawing extend into the notched portions Ila which permit the arcuate travel of the figure shift bar I'I over the tongs 4 into engagement with the notched portions 3 of the type shifting wheels 3. It will be here noted that thirteen of the type shifting Wheels 3. are employed in my mechanical. shorthand writing means and that the reading direction key I4 and continuity key I5 are each in connection with one of these type shifting wheels 3 and operatev directly in conrrection with the levers Ma and I511 respectively which are pivotally connected to bellcranks 5 by the links ZI. It will be noted that the read-- ing. direction key It is, cooperatively connected with the type shifting wheel 3 at the extreme left. side of the assembly as shown, in Fig. 1. of the drawing and that the continuity key I5 is cooperatively connected, with the type shifting wheel 3 at the extreme right. hand side of the assembly as. shown in Fig. 1 of the drawing, whereby the pointer printed by use of the reading direction key is on the paper strip at the opposite edge thereof from the designation printed by the operation of the continuity key I5 which is arranged to indicate continuation of a combination or word read from one line to the next transversely on the paper strip. In connection with the reading direction key and on the type shifting wheel 3 in connection therewith is an additional type member arranged to impress a comma which may be operated by depressingthe figure shift key and striking the reading direction key I4. When the continuity key is struck in a similar manner during, depression of the figure shift key a period is printed which normally indicates the end of a sentence in use of my mechanical short hand writing means.

As shown in Fig. 5 of the drawing the reading direction key I4 prints the pointer 28 on the paper strip 29 near one'edge thereof and the continuity key l5 prints the arcuate designation 3!! at the opposite edge of the paper strip as used in my shorthand writing means. This arcuate continuity designation means is particularly adapted to the use of my mechanical shorthand writing means for carrying continuity of a word or designation from one line to the other when reading the lines in continuity transversely of the paper strip.

The translation of the subject matter as shown in Fig. 5 is: This is the easy way to write shorthand with great speed and a high degree of accuracy.

As shown in Fig. 5 all the subject matter is read from one side of the paper strip 29 to the other unless the pointer indicates reading in the opposite direction. The continuity designation 3!] as used in my mechanical shorthand writing means is in the form of an arcuate line disposed at the end of one line indicating continuity of the subject matter in connection with the preceding line readable transversely on the paper strip. Thus the example as shown in Fig. 5 indicates the reading direction of the subject matter from one edge of the strip to the other and only in the reverse direction when the pointer so indicates.

The operation of my mechanical shorthand writing means is substantially as follows:

When one of the fixed keys 8 is depressed in its rigid connected relation with one of the main key levers II, the main key lever H is pivotally shifted downwardly in connection with the shaft 22 carrying the link 21 in connection with the bellcrank 5 which is pivotally shifted on the shaft 23 causing a type member 3e second from the top in connection with the type shifting wheels 3 to engage the platen roller 2 for printing through the inked ribbon 3i on paper in connection therewith. When these main key levers I 1 shift downwardly the arms 40 in connection with the shift tongs 4 remain in stationary position due to the slidable connection therewith of the bellcrank 6 which simply shifts vertically on the arms 40 and does not cause any pivotal movement of the tongs i 4 when the fixed key 8 is depressed. It will be noted that the fixed keys 8 are arranged to print numerals as well as literal characters and these numerals may be printed by the fixed keys 8 when the figure shift key 12 is depressed which brings the figure shift bar I! into engagement with the notched portions 3) of the type shifting wheels 3 whereupon pivotal movement of the main key lever ll causes the bellcranks 5 to shift the type shifting wheels toward the platen roller 2 which causes pivotal movement of the type shifting wheels 3 on the pin 5a due to restraint at the notched portion 3) bringing into alignment the type member 3e, third from the top, causing the same to print numerals on the paper over the platen roller 2. When the rear portion 9e of one of the pivoted keys 3 isdepressed the plate 90 in connection with said pivoted'key 9 causes the lever Hi to be pivoted about the axis of the fulcrum member 1 shifting the bellcrank 6 on the pin 6a in connection with the opposite end of the lever l6 pivotally shifting the shift tongs in connection therewith on the shaft 2!. gage the notched portion (if of the type shifting When the shift tong portions 4a enwheels 3 the forward movement of the type shift ing wheels 3 is restrained at the upper portion thereof above the axis of the pin 5a bringing the lowermost type member 3e into alignment with the platen roller forprinting on the paper thereover. It will "be noted that the restraint of the notched portion 3 by the tong portion 4a of the shift tongs 4 cooperates with the shifting of said shifting wheels 3 by the bellcranks 5 whereby forward movement of the shift wheels 3 in connection with thebellcranks 5 cause the pivotal shifting of said shift wheel 3 onthe pin 5a after engagement of said-notched portions 3] by the tong portions 4a of the shift tong -4. When the forward portion 9d of the same pivoted key 9 is depressed in connection with the plate 90 the lever [B is pivoted in the opposite direction on the fulcrum member 1 reversing the operation of the bellcrank 6 together with the arm 40 of the shift tongs 4 engaging the tong portions 41) of the shift tongs 4 with the notched portion 3g of the type shifting Wheels 3 causing rotation of the type shifting wheel in the opposite direction when the bellcrank member 5 forces the same toward the platen roller 2 whereupon the uppermost type member 3e in connection with said type shift wheel 3 engages the platen roller 2 over the paper in connection therewith for printing on the same. The use of the fixed key 8 together with the pivoted key 9 operating four different type members in connection with one main key lever greatly simplifies the construtcion of my mechanical shorthand writing means. The employment of four type members in connection with each type shifting wheel 3 is aided by use of the figure shift key 12 together with the cooperating figure shift bar I! as shown best in Fig. 6 of the drawing. Asshown in Fig. '7 of the drawing the type shifting wheels 3 are maintained in level relation with the bellcranks 5 by means of a spring I9 which is deflected in one direction or the other when the tong portions 4a or 4b engage the notched portions 3] or 3g as desired by the operator. This spring I9 is very light and causes very little resistance to the deflection of the same whereby the operational loads in the connected mechanism and keys are very low. It will be noted that theshafts 20,.2l and 22 are providedwith flat chordal relief por tions 20a and Zia and 22a respectively. The openings 5d, 4d and llb of the bellcrank 5, shift tongs 4 and levers H are provided with chordal relief portions 5d, 4d and I lb respectively which permit removal of the four bellcranks 5, shift tongs 4 and levers II when the shafts 20, 2| and 22 are rotated slightly.

I Though I have shown and described a particular construtcion, combination and arrangement of parts and portions, I do not wish to be limited to the particular construction, combination and arrangement but desire to include in the scope of my invention the construction, combination and arrangement substantially as set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what 1 claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patcut is: i

1. In a mechanical shorthand writing means the combination of a frame, a plurality of main key levers pivotally mounted in connection with said frame; a fixed key mounted on each of said main key levers, a pivoted key pivotally mounted on each of said main key levers near said fixed key and provided-with key portions oppositely movable relative. to said fixed key, a second lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on each of said main key levers and cooperatively engaged at one end with said pivoted key, a bellcrank pivotally mounted on each of said main key levers and engaged with the opposite end of said second lever, a shift tong pivotally mounted in connection with said frame and pro vided with a pair of diverging tong portions and an. arm portion slidably engaged with said bellcrank, a type supporting member pivotally mounted intermediate the diverging tong portions of said shift tong and having engaging portions at opposite sides .of the pivotal axis thereof disposed near the-ends of the tong portions in the arcuate path thereof, a second bellcrank pivotally connected with said frame and arranged in pivotal connection with said type supporting member at its upper'end and cooperatively connected with said main key lever at its other end and a platen roller arranged in close 7 intermediate the tong portions of said shift tong member and engageable thereby, a bellcrank piv otally connected with said frame and arranged in pivotally connected relation with said type supporting member at its one end, a main key lever pivotally connected with said frame and cooperatively connected with said bellcrank for shifting said type supporting member relatively to said tong portions, and a platen roller in spaced relation to said type supporting member in close proximity to the type in connection therewith.

3. In a mechanical shorthand writing means of the class described, a combination of a frame, a shift tong provided with two diverging tong portions pivotally mounted in connection with said frame, a type supporting member having type in connection therewith mounted intermediate the tong portions of said shift tong member and jengageable thereby, a bellcrank pivotally connected with said frame and arranged in pivotally connected relation with said type support ing member at its one end, a main key lever pivotally connected with said frame and cooperatively connected with said bellcrank for shifting said type supporting member relatively to said tong portions, a'platen roller'in spaced relation to said type supporting member in close proximity to the type in connection therewith, and a spring in connection with said type supporting member and said bellcrank and arranged to maintain said type supporting member in certain disposition relatively to the axis of said bellcrank.

4. In a, mechanical shorthand writing means of the class described, the combination of a platen roller, 2. frame for supporting the same, type supporting members movably mounted with said frame in cooperation with said platen roller and. having type in connection therewith, and a reading direction key cooperatively connected with one of said type supporting members, the type in connection with said type supporting member having a pointer designation thereon arranged to print in a direction parallel to the axis of said platen roller for indicating reverse directional reading of lines transversely of a paper strip.

5. In a mechanical shorthand writing means of the class described, the combination of a platen roller, type supporting members movably positioned in close spaced relation to said platen roller, a reading direction key cooperatively connected with one of said type supporting members positioned near one end of said platen roller adapted to print a designation indicating reverse directionreading of subject matter-transversely of a paper strip and a continuity key cooperatively connected to another of said type supportingmembers near the opposite end of said platen roller.

6. In a mechanical shorthand writing means of the class described, a combination of a platen roller, type supporting members movably positioned in close spaced relation to said platen roller, a reading direction key cooperatively connected with one of said type supporting members positioned near one end of said platen roller and a continuity key cooperatively connected to another of said type supporting members positioned near the opposite end of said platen roller, said reading direction key and said continuity key being at the front of the keyboard cf the mechanical shorthand writing means and accessible tothe thumbs of the operator thereof.

7.'In a mechanical shorthand writing means of the class described, a combination of a platen roller, type supporting members having type in connection therewith movably positioned in close spaced relation to said platen roller, a'reading direction key cooperatively connected with one of said type supporting members positioned near one end of said platen roller, a continuity key cooperatively connected to another of said type supporting members positioned near the opposite end of said platen roller, said reading direction key and said continuity key being at the front of the keyboard of the mechanical shorthand writing means and accessible to the thumbs of the operator thereofland a figure shift key near said reading direction key and said continuity key in cooperative relation with said type supporting members for rotatively shifting the same and changing the disposition of said type in connection with said type supporting members whereby said reading direction key and said continuity'key print other characters.

8. In a mechanical shorthand writing means of the class described, a combination of a frame, a platen roller in connection therewith, a plurality of type supporting members pivotally mounted relatively to said platen roller having a plurality of type members arranged in arcuate disposition relative to each other and spaced from said platen roller, each of said type supporting members having engaging portions disposed at opposite sides of the axis thereof, a plurality or shift tongs pivotally mounted in con nection with said frame having tong portions of the class described, the combination of a frame,

a platen roller in connection therewith, a plural- 9 ity of type supporting members pivotally mounted relatively to said platen roller having a plurality of type members arranged in arcuate disposition relative to each other and spaced from said platen roller, each of said type supporting members having engaging portions disposed at opposite sides of the axis thereof, a plurality of shift tongs pivotally mounted in connection with said frame having tong portions engageable with said engaging portions of said type supporting members, a plurality of main key levers pivotally mounted in connection with said frame, pivoted keys in connection with said main key levers cooperatively connected with said shift tongs for selectively moving the tong portions thereof into engagement with said engaging portions of said type supporting members, means interconnecting said type supporting members with said main key levers for shifting the same toward said platen roller, a figure shift bar adjacent the engaging portions of one side of the type supporting members and engageable therewith and REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 735,179 Uhlig Aug. 4, 1903 888,856 Sorenson May 26, 1908 1,214,023 Edwards Jan. 30, 1917 1,317,411 Anderson Sept. 30, v19 19 2,189,023 Ayres Feb. 6, 1940 2,325,612 Kirkpatrick Aug. 3, 1943 2,390,414 Ayres et a1. Dec. 4, 1945 

